Khloé Kardashian Apologized to Asia Kate Dillon for Using the Wrong Prefix

Using the correct gender pronouns is the least we can do for each other in casual conversation — and willfully misgendering someone may be a form of hate speech. That said, accidents do happen, and it's all in how we correct those mistakes. Khloé Kardashian provided a great example in a Twitter exchange of what to do if you accidentally misgender someone.

After Khloé tweeted about being a fan of the show Billions, actor Asia Kate Dillon, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, was pretty excited. "Would you please say more about this? 😎" they tweeted, asking Khloé to talk more about their show. The reality star obliged, but in her response, she used the wrong prefix.

"Ughhhh I was so caught off guard by Taylor’s move! Now I’m on f/*cking pins and needles for season 4! Miss Asia, you don’t disappoint 💕🦋" Khloé wrote. But since Asia uses they/them pronouns, their correct identifier would be "mx," not "miss," and Asia let Khloé know.

Khloé was quick to respond and correct her mistake, saying "Oh my goodness! My sincerest apologies! Thank you for telling me Mx. Asia!! 💕 ok now I guess I’ll just be waiting by my TV until season 4."

In response to Khloé's mistake and subsequent apology, some on Twitter noted that she handled the error well. Khloé quickly corrected herself and made it right. Asia tweeted a bunch of praise emojis in response to Khloé's apology.

"Excellent correction and response, very happy to see Khloé respond this way. It is important, and I'm glad she acknowledges that. Both of you made me so happy =)" one user wrote in a post that Asia retweeted.

As GLAAD points out, it's best to correct yourself, apologize, and keep it moving if you use the wrong pronouns. "If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun, apologize quickly and sincerely, then move on. The bigger deal you make out of the situation, the more uncomfortable it is for everyone," GLAAD writes. By apologizing, using the correct prefix, and then talking more about the show, Khloé did just that.

Asia even took the opportunity to educate some people on gender neutral pronouns and prefixes, and to let others know that there's no standard way non-binary people prefer to be addressed. That's why it's always best to ask someone what their pronouns are.

Of course, no cis-gender person deserves a cookie for using someone's correct pronoun or prefixes — it's basic courtesy. And it's not non-binary people's responsibility to educate every cisgender person on what pronouns to use and why. There are plenty of resources online about non-binary identity, pronouns, and what to do if you find yourself in the situation that Khloé did. The more we all know, the better off we are.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article stated Khloé used the wrong pronouns for Asia, when in fact it was the wrong prefix.